Part feed for apparatus such as metallic can body formers

ABSTRACT

Cup-shaped metallic can bodies are fed downwardly, one at a time, into a part holder between a withdrawn horizontally reciprocal ram and a redraw and ironing die pack of a can body former, a redraw die pad first advancing a redraw die horizontally into the can body open end, followed by the ram moving into the can body within the redraw die and carrying the can body progressively through a redraw die ring and a series of ironing die rings. The part holder has a U-shaped yoke receiving the can bodies downwardly therein and positioning the can bodies in exact longitudinal alignment with the redraw die and ram movements by individually selectively adjustable, transversely spaced side and underlying bottom alignment members. Each of the alignment members has a main portion movable in a yoke vertical slot and a pin projecting from the main portion and yoke toward the redraw die pad, the alignment member main portion and pin having longitudinally aligned surfaces exposed inwardly of the part holder yoke forming spaced holding surfaces extending a major portion of the cup longitudinal length to exactly position the cup. The part holder alignment members each have adjustment means for moving the alignment member main portions within the yoke slots to obtain the exact cup positioning.

Unite States Paramonoff atent 1 [54] PART FEED FOR APPARATUS SUCH AS METALLIC CAN BODY FORMERS [75] Inventor: Elpidifor Paramonoff, Los Angeles,

Calif.

[73] Assignee: Standun lnc., Compton, Calif.

[22] Filed: April 1, 1971 [21] Appl. No.: 130,195

[52] U.S. Cl ..72/349, 72/361 [51] Int. Cl. ..B2ld 24/16 [58] Field of Search ..72/347, 348, 349, 361,428;

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS Primary ExaminerRichard J. Herbst Att0rneyMahoney, Hornbaker & Schick 14 1 Feb. 13, 1973 5 7 ABSTRACT Cup-shaped metallic can bodies are fed downwardly, one at a time, into a part holder between a withdrawn horizontally reciprocal ram and a redraw and ironing die pack of a can body former, a redraw die pad first advancing a redraw die horizontally into the can body open end, followed by the ram moving into the can body within the redraw die and carrying the can body progressively through a redraw die ring and a series of ironing die rings. The part holder has a U-shaped yoke receiving the can bodies downwardly therein and positioning the can bodies in exact longitudinal alignment with the redraw die and ram movements by individually selectively adjustable, transversely spaced side and underlying bottom alignment members. Each of the alignment members has a main portion movable in a yoke vertical slot and a pin projecting from the main portion and yoke toward the redraw die pad, the alignment member main portion and pin having longitudinally aligned surfaces exposed inwardly of the part holder yoke forming spaced holding surfaces extending a major portion of the cup longitudinal length to exactly position the cup. The part holder alignment members each have adjustment means for moving the alignment member main portions within the yoke slots to obtain the exact cup positioning.

3 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures PATENTEDFEB 13 I975 SHEET 1 OF 2 FIG. 2.

INVENTOR.

EL PID/FOR PARAMONOF F BY MAHONEY, HORNBAKER AND ScHIcK ATTORNEYS PATENTEUFEB13 I975 3.715.905 SHEET 2 BF 2 MA HONEY, HORNBA KER AND SCH/CK ATTORNEYS PART FEED FOR APPARATUS SUCH AS METALLIC CAN BODY FORMERS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to an improved part feed for apparatus such as metallic can body formers, the part feed feeding metallic can bodies, one at a time, downwardly into a part holder thereof. More particularly, this invention relates to such a part feed device wherein the part holder is formed with selectively adjustable, spaced alignment members providing spaced edge contact with the metallic can bodies received, one at a time, downwardly therein so as to retain the same precisely properly aligned with other working elements of the can body former necessary for precision, highspeed operation with resulting maximum quality finished can bodies. In this manner, the improved part feed of the present invention may form an important component of a metallic can body former contributing to the cumulative result of maximum quality can body products at maximum speed and minimum unit expense.

In the use of metallic can body formers, initially formed metallic can bodies are produced from sheet metal stock by a blank and draw operation and arrive at the can body former as relevantly shallow, cup-shaped can bodies. In the can body former, these semi-formed, cup-shaped bodies are subjected to a series of consecutive ironing operations, frequently immediately preceded by a redrawing operation, for thinning the walls and further greatly increasing the depths of these can bodies to a desired final can form, all necessarily very precise operations in view of the original and final relatively small metal thicknesses involved. Obviously, during the various drawing and ironing operations, the can body wall thicknesses must be uniformly reduced throughout the can bodies so that no inordinately thin areas are present in the final, relatively deep, finished can body products, and such uniform wall thicknesses are particularly critical where the finished can bodies are to be ultimately used for containing beverages and other products which must be retained under contained pressures.

As an example, a metallic can body former in which the part feed device of the present invention may form an important component may include a horizontally and longitudinally reciprocal ram which moves longitudinally from a withdrawn position through a redraw die pad and redraw die, where included, through a part holder of a part feed device simultaneously with the movement through the redraw die and picking up a shallow cup, metallic can body from the part holder, and progressively carrying the metallic can body through a redraw die ring, where provided, and a series of ironing die rings finally longitudinally exiting the metallic can body in finished form from the end of the die pack containing the various die rings. As the finished metallic can body is passed from the die pack on the end of the ram, it is passed through a stripper assembly and then may be forced against a bottom forming die to reversely dome the bottom thereof as the ram reverses its longitudinal movement and begins its longitudinal return movement. Finally, as the ram end supportingthe finished metallic can body passes reversely through the stripper assembly, the finished metallic can body is stripped from the ram to be carried away by various conveying mechanisms and the ram continues its reverse movement through the die pack and part holder to fully withdrawn position while the next semiin the part holder and longitudinally aligned with the ram and redraw die longitudinal movements. More particularly, as the next to be finished metallic can body is retained in the part holder, the open end thereof facing the withdrawn ram and redraw die and the closed end thereof facing the direction of the die pack so that the can body is supported in the part holder on the sidewalls thereof, first the redraw die pad moves the redraw die longitudinally into the can body immediately followed by the ram end moving longitudinally through the redraw die and engaging the bottom wall of the can body to longitudinally move the can body from the redraw die through the redraw die ring and then consecutively through the various ironing die rings. For maximum uniformity of wall thickness in the finished can bodies produced by the consecutive redraw and ironing operations, not only must the redraw die move cleanly into the semi-finished can body, but such can body must be retained precisely positioned by the redraw die for engagement by the entering ram end.

Thus, exact positioning of the semi-finished can body by the part holder is extremely critical, the can bodies being required to be precisely axially longitudinally aligned over the major portions of the longitudinal lengths thereof and so retained by the part holder during the entrance of the redraw die and the following ram. Such is true even though limited space conditions prevail due to the necessity of the redraw die pad moving the redraw die into the can body and into exact relative position within the can body, and is even more eminently required with the high ram speeds involved in the more modern can body forming apparatus. Obviously, even the most sophisticated can body former can not produce satisfactory finished can bodies without a proper part holder in the part feed device thereof which meets the requirement demands as set forth.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is, therefore, an object of this invention to provide an improved part feed for apparatus such as metallic can body formers wherein the part holder of the part feed device has spaced, fully adjustable alignment members thereon which support semi-finished metallic can bodies therein in exact proper alignment with the longitudinal path of travel of the redraw die, where used, and the longitudinally moving ram so that, by

proper selective adjustment, the can bodies will always be positioned in the part holder properly engageable by the redraw die and ram for producing finished can bodies of precise, maximum quality form and under high speed conditions. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the part holder of the part feed device is formed by a U-shaped yoke which mounts spaced alignment members thereon preferably in slots thereof fully adjustable for positioning the semi-finished can bodies received, one at a downwardly into the part holder arriving one at a time positioned thereby during the high speed'movement of the redraw die, where used, and the ram into engagement with the properly positioned can bodies, all being accomplished with a part holder of minimum possible longitudinal dimensions so that the required spacing for accommodating such part holder may be maintained at a minimum for reducing necessary overall longitudinal ram movement. As he'reinbefore stated, it is preferred that the spaced alignment members will be adjustably mounted in slots of the partholder yoke receiving each of the semi-finished can bodies therein preparatory to the redraw die and ram engagement, and it is further preferred that each of the alignment members is formed by a main portion adjustably mounted in a yoke slot and a pin projecting longitudinally therefrom in the direction of the redraw die pad, the alignment member main portion and'pin combining to form longitudinal alignment surfaces exposed inwardly of the part holder for contact with the next to be finished can body. Thus, as the redraw die pad moves longitudinally to position the redraw die within the particular can body, the alignment member pins are partially received in openings of the redraw die pad while still aiding in properly supporting the particular can body so as to provide a properly positioned relationship for the redraw die while reducing the overall space requirements to a minimum and thereby reducing the necessary overall ram stroke.

It is still a further object of this invention to provide an improved part feed for apparatus such as metallic can body formers wherein the can bodies positioned,

one at a time in the part holder thereof are retained with spaced, preferably three point, suspension capable of maintaining positive, firm can body support, yet with preferably individual suspension point adjustment for maximum accuracy in positioning. Again, in the preferred embodiment, the alignment member main portions and pins are each individually adjustable on the part holder yoke and with the spaced positioning thereof, combined vertical and horizontal adjustment may be accomplished to exactly position the can bodies perfectly longitudinally aligned with respect to the paths of movement of the redraw die and ram. The result is that engagement of the can bodies by the redraw die and the subsequent engagement by the ram during movement of the can body from the redraw die 'and through the various redraw and ironing die rings will always be under absolutely controlled conditions assuring extremely accurate alignment necessary for the high speed finishing of the can bodies to produce the finished desired product.

It is also an object of this invention to provide an improved part feed for apparatus such as metallic can body formers having the combined advantageous features hereinbefore pointed out, yet the improved part feed of the present invention may be formed in its important metallic can body former component of maximum simplicity with all of the stated functional advantages and at a minimum of cost. Not only is the mounting of the spaced alignment members and the adjustability thereof of novel, but maximum simplified, form, and the cooperation thereof with the redraw die pad for minimum spacing of novel, yet simplified, form, all while maintaining maximum control over the positioned can body thereon, but the part holder of the part feed further cooperates with the redraw die pad with abutment members thereon contacting the redraw die pad upon movement of the redraw die into the particular positioned can body so as to further assure proper cooperative relationship between the various can body former elements. Thus, part feeds provided according to the principles of the present invention supply important novel innovations to the overall desired result for producing finished can bodies of maximum quality while maintaining relative simplicity as to the individual components thereof for reducing the cost of provision to levels not heretofore possible despite the advantageous character thereof.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following specification and the accompanying drawings which are for the purpose of illustration only.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. I is a perspective view of a typical metallic can body former incorporating a preferred embodiment of the improved part feed of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged, fragmentary, somewhat schematic sectional view, primarily of the die pack of the metallic can body former of FIG. 1 generally taken along the direction of the arrows 2-2 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary, vertical sectional view, similar to FIG. 2 but more closely pinpointing the location of the embodiment of improved part feed of the present invention and showing the portions of the metallic canbody former necessary of cooperation with the part feed for producing the overall metallic can body forming results;

FIG. 4 is a view-similar to FIG. 3, but with the metallic can body former components in further advanced operational positions;

FIG. 5, is an enlarged, fragmentary, front elevational view of the embodiment of improved part feed of the present invention; and

FIG. 6 is a vertical sectional view looking in the direction of the arrows 6-6 in FIG. 5.

DESCRIPTION OF THE BEST'EMBODIMENTS CONTEMPLATED:

Referring to the drawings, a typical'metallic can generally indicated at 16. All of the metallic can body former including the various components thereof such as the ram guide and drive assembly 12, the die pack 14 and the part-feed 16, may be formed of usual materials fabricated according to usual procedures appropriate for the purposes intended.

Outlining that portion of the metallic can body former necessary for a clear understanding of the part feed 16 incorporating the principles of the present invention and referring for the moment to FIGS. 1 through 4, the ram guide and drive assembly 12 mounts a horizontally, longitudinally reciprocal ram 18 which,

in one complete metallic can body forming strokemoves longitudinally from a forward position totally within the ram guide and drive assembly 12 rearwardly through a redraw die pad 20 and redraw die 22, also horizontally longitudinally reciprocal, through the part feed 16 and progressively through the die pack 14 until the ram end reaches the rearward extremity of the die pack, as will be hereinafter more clearly described, at which time the ram reverses motion forwardly retracing its path of movement to return completely within the ram guide and drive assembly 12 forwardly of the redraw die pad 20 and redraw die 22. The redraw die pad 20 is reciprocally mounted on the ram guide and drive assembly 12 movable ahead of the initial longitudinal movement of the ram 18 rearwardly from the position shown in FIG. 3 to the position shown in FIGS. 2 and 4 by a series of pressure cylinders 24 moving the redraw die 22 rewardly telescoped into the part feed 16, the redraw die pad and redrawdie returning to forwardly retracted position shown in FIG. 3 during retraction of the ram 18 to its starting position. The die pack 14, as shown complete somewhat schematically in FIG. 2 and partially in FIGS. 3 and 4, starting at the left hand end and progressing to the right hand end, includes a redraw die ring 26, a first ironing die ring 28, a second ironing die ring 30, a third ironing die ring 32, a stripper 34 and a doming or bottom forming die 36.

Thus, in general functional operation of the overall metallic can body former l0, semi-finished metallic can bodies are fed in consecutive order downwardly by the part feed 16 arriving one at a time aligned by the part feed with the reciprocal paths of movement of the ram 18 and redraw die 22, a thusly positioned semi-finished metallic can body 38 being shown in FIG. 3 with the remainder eliminated for clarity and the ram 18, redraw die pad 20 and redraw die 22 withdrawn ready for the start of an operational cycle. The semi-finished metallic can bodies 38 are originally fed into the part feed 16 so that the particular can body positioned next to be finished has the open end thereof facing the withdrawn ram 18 and redraw die 22, and the closed end thereof facing the die pack 14. Furthermore, the semi-finished metallic can bodies 38 are of the usual thin wall construction and are formed of the usual metals, such as aluminum or tinplate.

- Starting the actual redraw and ironing cycle, the

redraw die pad 20 is moved rearwardly by the pressure cylinders 24 carrying the redraw die 22 from the position shown in FIG. 3 to the position shown in FIG. 4 received within the positioned semi-finished metallic can body 38, directly followed by the ram 18 moving through the redraw die pad 20 and redraw die 22 to engage the bottom wall of the can body 38. Continued rearward movement of the ram 18 (not shown) carries the can body 38 on the ram end from the redraw die 22 through the redraw die ring 26 to further deepen the same, consecutively through the first, second and third ironing die rings 28, 30 and 32 to iron and lengthen the through the stripper removing the metallic can bodyv from the ram for conveyance remote from the metallic can body former 10. The ram 18 ultimately retraces its path of movement forwardly into the ram guide and drive assembly 12, the redraw die pad 20 and redraw die 22 withdrawing therewith to complete one total cycle. The withdrawalof the ram 18 and the redraw die 22 permits feeding of the next semi-finished metallic can body 38 by the part feed 16 into position preparatory to the next cycle starting.

More particularly to the principles of the present invention, the embodiment of part feed l6-illustrated includes a generally vertical supply chute 40 positioned for feeding the semi-finished metallic can bodies 38 consecutively, one at a time, downwardly into an open ing 42 of a part holder generally indicated at 44 formed by a generally U-shaped yoke 46, the yoke extending transversely across the longitudinal path of movement of the ram 18 and the redraw die 22. Referring particularly to FIGS. 5 and 6 showing an enlargement of the part holder 44 removed from the die pack 14, a front elevational view is shown in FIG. 5, that is, the front surface of the yoke 46 facing the ram guide and drive assembly 12 and the redraw die pad 20, and it can be seen that the transverse width of the opening 42 in the U-shaped yoke 46 is just slightly wider than the diameters of the semi-finished metallic can bodies 38 until the opening 42 reaches the lower portion thereof where it angles transversely inwardly from upper parallel vertical sides 48 into transversely inwardly angled sides 50 and ultimately into a generally horizontal, transversely reduced lower side 52. Thus, the semi-finished metallic can bodies 38 with the sidewalls thereof extending horizontally, the bottom walls thereof facing the die pack 14 and the open upper ends thereof facing the ram guide and drive assembly 12 and the redraw die pad 20 may flow consecutively down the supply chute 40 into the U-shaped yoke 46 resting one on top of the next with the lowermost can body arriving downwardly partially between the yoke upper vertical sides 48 and partially between the yoke angled sides 50 overlying the yoke lower side 52 as shown in phantom lines in FIG. 5, it being noted particularly from FIGS. 3 and 4 that the total heights of the semi-finished metallic can bodies 38 which are now lying horizontally exceed the longitudinal width of the U-shaped yoke 46.

For purposes of exactly positioning the lowermost of the semi-finished metallic can bodies 38 in the U- shaped yoke 46 of the part holder 44, there are mounted on the yoke transversely spaced alignment members, preferably transversely opposite side alignment members 54 and 56 intermediate the vertical extents of the yoke angled sides 50 and a single, central,

bottom alignment member 58 at the yoke lower side 52. Each of the side alignment members 54 and 56 includes a block-like main portion 60 and 62, respectively, and a longitudinally projecting pin 64 and 66, respectively, while the bottom alignment member 58 includes a block-like main portion 68 and a longitudinally extending pin 70. The side alignment member main portions 60 and 62 each include upper corner, angled, longitudinally extending alignment surfaces 72 and 74, respectively, facing transversely angularly and oppositely into the U-shaped yoke opening 42, while the bottom alignment member main portion 68 includes a longitudinally extending, transversely horizontal alignment surface 76 facing vertically upwardly into the U-shaped yoke opening 42.

The side alignment member pins 64 and 66 are secured to the side alignment member main portions 60 and 62 with a longitudinally extending line of the peripherys exactly longitudinally aligned with the main portion angled alignment surfaces 72 and 74, and the bottom alignment member pin 70 is secured to the main portion 68 with a longitudinally extending line of the pin pheriphery exactly longitudinally aligned with the bottom alignment member horizontal alignment surface 76. The side alignment member main portions 60 and 62 are vertically adjustably mounted in side vertical slots 78 and 80, respectively, formed in the forward surface of the U-shaped yoke 46, the side vertical slotsf'preferably exactly encompassing the side alignment member main portions except in vertical height and opening transversely into the U-shaped yoke opening 42 over an upper part of the U-shaped yoke angled sides'50 exposing the main portion angled alignment surfaces 72 and 74 within the U-shaped yok'eopening upon upward movement of such main portions. The bottom alignment member main portion 68 is similarly mounted on the forward face of the Ushaped yoke 46 but in a central verticalslot 82, the bottom alignment member main portion 68 projecting upwardly a vertical distance into the U-shaped yoke opening 42 to expose the main portion horizontal alignment surface 76 well within such opening. Thus,.the side and bottom alignment members 54, 56 and 58 may be vertically adjusted' to provide longitudinally extending, continuous, line alignment surfaces within the U-shaped yoke open- ,ing 42 and longitudinally forwardly from the U-shaped .yoke 46 toward the redraw die pad 20 as provided by the alignment member main portions 60, 62 and 68 and the respective pins 64, 66 and .70 thereof, the side alignment member main portions 60 and 62 only providing the angled alignment surfaces 72 and 74 thereof longitudinally rearwardly the longitudinal depths of the side vertical slots 78 and 80 as shown in FIG. 6, but the bottom alignment member main portion 68 providing the horizontal alignment surface 76 longitudinally rearwardly the entire width of the U-shaped yoke 46 in view of the offset portion 84 of the bottom alignment member main portion above the U-shaped yoke lower side 52 as also shown in'FlG. 6.

In all cases of the side and bottom alignment members 54, 56 and 58, however, the combined main portions and pins of these alignment members will always provide longitudinally extending line alignment surfaces'extending a major portion of the semi-finished metallic can bodies 38 when these can bodies are received downwardly within the U-shaped yoke 46 with the can body bottom walls aligned with the U-shaped yoke rearward surface and the side walls thereof extending forwardly through the U-shaped yoke and longitudinally forwardly thereof along the pins. In the case of the embodiment shown, therefore, a transversely spaced three point line contact is provided for the lowermost and the next to be finished semi-finished metallic can body 38 supporting the same over the major portion of its longitudinal extent ready for high speed engagement by the redraw die 22 therein and ultimately the ram 18 therein. Furthermore, such l0ngltlldinal line contact for exact support of the semi-finished metallic can body 38 in exact proper longitudinal alignment with the redraw die 22 and the ram 18 may be selectively properly adjusted by the upward and downward adjustment of the main portions 60, 62 and 68 of the side and bottom-alignment members 54, S6 and 58 within the vertical slots 78, and 82.

The sidealignment members 54 and 56 are selectively vertically adjusted by vertical adjustment screws 86 and 88, respectively, connected to the main portions 60 and 62 extending downwardly through the vertical slots 90 and 92 of the U-shaped yoke 46 and ultimately to a yoke downwardly extending, L-shaped bracket 94 where they are secured in adjustment by usual nuts 96. The bottom alignment member 58 is similarly retained in adjustment by a vertical adjustment screw 98 extending downwardly from the main portion 68 to the L- shaped bracket 94 and retained adjusted by the usual nuts 96. Once the desired proper adjustment of the side and bottom alignment members 54, 56 and 58 is obtained, these alignment members are secured to the U- shaped yoke 46 within the slots 78, 80 and 82 by retaining screws 100, 102 and 104 received through vertically elongated openings 106, 108 and 110 in the respective main portions 60, 62 and 68 which are, in turn, threadably received longitudinally within the U- shaped yoke 46 for tight securement thereof clamping the alignment member main portions. 7

In the assembly of the part feed 16 including the part holder formed by the U-shaped yoke 46, referring for the moment to H6. 3, it is seen that when the next to be finished semi-finished metallic can body 38 is retained positioned exactly on the side and bottom alignment members 54, 56 and 58 with the previously discussed alignment surfaces thereof initially establishing and retaining such exact positioning of the can body, the respective pins 64, 66 and 70 of such alignment members extend forwardly spaced beyond the forward extremities of the can body. Furthermore, hardened metallic stand-off blocks are mounted on and project forwardly from the forward surface of the U- shaped yoke 46 transversely spaced at either side of the U-shaped yoke opening 42, such blocks projecting forwardly from the U-shaped yoke a lesser distance than the alignment member pins 64, 66 and 70. Thus, when the redraw die pad 20 is moved rearwardly longitudinally rearwardly inserting the redraw die 22 into the next to be finished semi-finished metallic can body 38 exactly positioned and retained on the side and bottom alignment members 54, S6 and 58, from the position shown in FIG. 3 to the position shown in FIG. 4, the stand-off blocks 112 and l 14 exactly gauge and control such redraw die positioning while the forwardly projecting extremities of the alignment member pins 64,

66 and 70 are received in properly positioned openings 116 of the redraw die pad 20 and the redraw die 22 to thereby permit the necessary exact relative longitudinal positioning of the various can body former components relative to each other for maximum positioning control of the semi-finished metallic can body 38 in a minimum of space.

According to the principles of the present invention, therefore, an improved part feed is provided for apparatus such as metallic can body formers forming an important component for the can body former making a vital contribution to the overall result of precisely finishing metallic can bodies at extremely high speeds, yet with the finished product of virtually optimum quality. The part feed 16, and particularly the part holder 44 with its U-shaped yoke 46 exactly positions the next to be finished semi-finished metallic can body 38 on longitudinally lengthened, transversely spaced, line alignment surfaces contacting the arcuate periphery of the can body as provided by the unique side and bottom alignment members 54, 56 and 58 including the yoke mounted main portions 60, 62 and 68 thereof and the longitudinally forwardly extended pins 64, 66 and 70 thereof. Such alignment members 54, 56 and 58 not only provide line alignment surfaces for receiving a semi-finished metallic can body 38 downwardly therein during the high speed operation, but also retain such can body exactly positioned in exact longitudinal alignment with the subsequent rearward movements of the ram 18 and redraw die 22, the forwardly extended pins 64, 66 and 70 of these alignment members adding appreciably-to such can body positioning and preventing any inordinate tipping of such can body which could result in undesirable misalignments.

At the same time, the unique side and bottom alignment members 54, 56 and 58 providing the extended line alignment surfaces for the semi-finished metallic can body 38 are fully exactly adjustable on the part holder U-shaped yoke 46, in the particular embodiment shown, the side alignment members 54 and 56 being oppositely angularly adjustable and the bottom alignment member 58 being vertically adjustable for establishing such can body positioning and alignment. Still further, the stand-off blocks 112 and 114 mounted on the part holder U-shaped yoke 46 for exactly regulating the rearward movement of the redraw die pad 20 and the insertion thereby of the redraw die 22 exactly within the metallic can body 38 and the telescoping of the forward extremities of the alignment member pins 64, 66 and 70 within the redraw die pad 20 permit an exact assembly of the redraw die within the metallic can body while still making use of minimum longitudinal space and, thereby, a minimum overall stroke of the ram 18 to contribute in reducing the time cycle required for the complete finishing of a semi-finished metallic can body. It is therefore seen that the many unique elements and arrangements of the part feed 16 according-to the principles of the present invention not only provide a part feed of maximum relative simplicity, but one which forms an important component in the metallic can body former which cooperates with the other various elements thereof in the overall accomplishment of finishing semi-finished metallic can bodies 38 with maximum speed and efficiency, while still producing finished metallic can bodies of superior quality over that heretofore possible.

Iclaim:

1. In a part feed device for feeding parts, such as metallic can bodies and the like, to apparatus, such as metallic can body formers and the like, the part feed device being of the type having a transverse part holder positioned longitudinally between a generally horizontally positioned longitudinally reciprocal ram and a die pack, the can bodies being received one at a time into said part holder with can body open ends toward said ram and can body closed ends toward said die pack, said ram moving generally horizontally into said open end of a part holder positioned can body and carrying said can body from said part holder and through said die pack, said metallic can body former being of a type having a certain mounting member movable .longitudinally toward and away from from said part holder of said part feed device between said part feed device and said ram prior to said ram movement into said part holder positioned can body; the improvements comprising: transversely spaced side alignment members on said part holder and at least one intermediate alignment member at a lower portion of said part holder transversely between said side alignment members positioned engageable by a side wall of a part holder positioned can body at transversely spaced locations along said can body side wall, said alignment members extending longitudinally at least a major portion of a longitudinal length of said can body side wall; adjust ment means on each of said alignment members for selectively moving each of said alignment members to positions aiding each other retaining said part holder positioned can body in exact longitudinal alignment with said ram movement; all of said alignment members having main portions within said part holder and pins extending from said main portions and longitudinally from said part holder in a direction opposite from said die pack, surfaces on said alignment member pins combining with surfaces of said alignment member main portions retaining said part holder positioned can body in exact longitudinal alignment with said ram movement, said alignment member pins have end portions thereof received in openings of said certain mounting member upon movement of said certain mounting member toward said part holder prior to said ram movement.

2. In a part feed device for feeding parts, such as metallic can bodies and the like, to apparatus, such as metallic can body formers and the like, the part feed device being of the type having a transverse part holder positioned longitudinally between a generally horizontally positioned longitudinally reciprocal ram and a die pack, the can bodies being received one at a time into said part holder with can body open ends toward said ram and can body closed ends toward said die pack, said ram moving generally horizontally into said open end of a part holder positioned can body and carrying said can body from said part holder and through said die pack, said metallic can body former being of the type including a redraw die and die pad movable longitudinally toward and away from said part holder between said part holder and said ram prior to said ram movement, said redraw die moving into said part holder positioned can body and said redraw die pad moving forward to spaced from said part holder prior to said ram movement, said ram moving through said redraw die pad and redraw die during said ram movement; the improvements comprising: transversely spaced alignment members on said part holder positioned engageable by a side wall of a part holder positioned can body at transversely spaced locations along said can body side wall, said alignment members extending longitudinally at least a major portion of a longitudinal length of said can body side wall; adjustment means on each of said alignment members for selectively moving each of said alignment members to positions retaining said part holder positioned can body in exact longitudinal alignment with said ram movement; said alignment members including main portions within said part holder and pins extending longitudinally from said main portions and from said part holder in a direction opposite from said die pack, said alignment member main portions and pins having longitudinally extending surfaces combining to retain said part holder positioned can body in said exact longitudinal alignment with said ram movement, said alignment member pins having end portions received in openings of said redraw die pad upon said redraw die pad being moved toward said part holder prior to said ram movement.

3. In a part feed device for feeding parts, such as metallic can bodies and the like, to apparatus, such as metallic can body formers and the like, the part feed device being of the type having a transverse part holder positioned longitudinally between a generally horizontally positioned longitudinally reciprocal ram and a die pack, the can bodies being received one at a time into said part holder with can body open ends toward said ram and can body closed ends toward said die pack, said ram moving generally horizontally into said open end of a part holder positioned can body and carrying said can body from said part holder and through said die pack, said metallic can body former being of the type including a redraw die pad and redraw die longitudinally between said part holder and said ram prior to said ram movement and movable longitudinally to said part holder prior to said ram movement, said redraw die moving longitudinally into said part holder positioned can body and receiving said ram longitudinally therethrough during said ram movement; the improvements comprising: said part holder including a yoke having a generally U-shaped opening receiving said metallic can bodies one at a time downwardly therein, transversely spaced alignment members on said part holder including side alignment members and at least one intermediate alignment member spaced therebetween all positioned engageable by a side wall of a part holder positioned can body at transversely spaced locations along said can body side wall, said alignment members extending longitudinally at least a major portion of a longitudinal length of said can body side wall; adjustment means on each of said alignment members for selectively moving each of said alignment members to positions each aiding in retaining said part holder positioned can body in exact longitudinal alignment with said ram movement; all of said alignment members including main portions at said yoke and iongitudinally extending pins extending longitudinally from said yoke and said main portions opposite from said die pack, said alignment member mam portions having alignment surfaces exposed into said yoke U- shaped opening and said alignment member pins having alignment surfaces positioned cooperating with said main portion alignment surfaces retaining said part holder positioned can body in said exact longitudinal alignment with said ram movement, all of said alignment member pins having end portions received in openings of said redraw die pad upon movement of said redraw die pad and redraw die toward said part holder prior to said ram movement.

l I! l 

1. In a part feed device for feeding parts, such as metallic can bodies and the like, to apparatus, such as metallic can body formers and the like, the part feed device being of the type having a transverse part holder positioned longitudinally between a generally horizontally positioned longitudinally reciprocal ram and a die pack, the can bodies being received one at a time into said part holder with can body open ends toward said ram and can body closed ends toward said die pack, said ram moving generally horizontally into said open end of a part holder positioned can body and carrying said can body from said part holder and through said die pack, said metallic can body former being of a type having a certain mounting member movable longitudinally toward and away from from said part holder of said part feed device between said part feed device and said ram prior to said ram movement into said part holder positioned can body; the improvements comprising: transversely spaced side alignment members on said part holder and at least one intermediate alignment member at a lower portion of said part holder transversely between said side alignment members positioned engageable by a side wall of a part holder positioned can body at transversely spaced locations along said can body side wall, said alignment members extending longitudinally at least a major portion of a longitudinal length of said can body side wall; adjustment means on each of said alignment members for selectively moving each of said alignment members to positions aiding each other retaining said part holder positioned can body in exact longitudinal alignment with said ram movement; all of said alignment members having main portions within said part holder and pins extending from said main portions and longitudinally from said part holder in a direction opposite from said die pack, surfaces on said alignment member pins combining with surfaces of said alignment member main portions retaining said part holder positioned can body in exact longitudinal alignment with said ram movement, said alignment member pins have end portions thereof received in openings of said certain mounting member upon movement of said certain mounting member toward said part holder prior to said ram movement.
 1. In a part feed device for feeding parts, such as metallic can bodies and the like, to apparatus, such as metallic can body formers and the like, the part feed device being of the type having a transverse part holder positioned longitudinally between a generally horizontally positioned longitudinally reciprocal ram and a die pack, the can bodies being received one at a time into said part holder with can body open ends toward said ram and can body closed ends toward said die pack, said ram moving generally horizontally into said open end of a part holder positioned can body and carrying said can body from said part holder and through said die pack, said metallic can body former being of a type having a certain mounting member movable longitudinally toward and away from from said part holder of said part feed device between said part feed device and said ram prior to said ram movement into said part holder positioned can body; the improvements comprising: transversely spaced side alignment members on said part holder and at least one intermediate alignment member at a lower portion of said part holder transversely between said side alignment members positioned engageable by a side wall of a part holder positioned can body at transversely spaced locations along said can body side wall, said alignment members extending longitudinally at least a major portion of a longitudinal length of said can body side wall; adjustment means on each of said alignment members for selectively moving each of said alignment members to positions aiding each other retaining said part holder positioned can body in exact longitudinal alignment with said ram movement; all of said alignment members having main portions within said part holder and pins extending from said main portions and longitudinally from said part holder in a direction opposite from said die pack, surfaces on said alignment member pins combining with surfaces of said alignment member main portions retaining said part holder positioned can body in exact longitudinal alignment with said ram movement, said alignment member pins have end portions thereof received in openings of said certain mounting member upon movement of said certain mounting member toward said part holder prior to said ram movement.
 2. In a part feed device for feeding parts, such as metallic can bodies and the like, to apparatus, such as metallic can body formers and the like, the part feed device being of the type having a transverse part holder positioned longitudinally between a generally horizontally positioned longitudinally reciprocal ram and a die pack, the can bodies being received one at a time into said part holder with can body open ends toward said ram and can body closed ends toward said die pack, said ram moving generally horizontally into said open end of a part holder positioned can body and carrying said can body from said part holder and through said die pack, said metallic can body former being of the type including a redraw die and die pad movable longitudinally toward and away from said part holder between said part holder and said ram prior to said ram movement, said redraw die moving into said part holder positioned can body and said redraw die pad moving forward to spaced from said part holder prior to said ram movement, said ram moving through said redraw die pad and redraw die during said ram movement; the improvements comprising: transversely spaced alignment members on said part holder positioned engageable by a side wall of a part holder positioned can body at transversely spaced locations along said can body side wall, said alignment members extending longitudinally at least a major portion of a longitudinal length of said can body side wall; adjustment means on each of said alignment members for selectiveLy moving each of said alignment members to positions retaining said part holder positioned can body in exact longitudinal alignment with said ram movement; said alignment members including main portions within said part holder and pins extending longitudinally from said main portions and from said part holder in a direction opposite from said die pack, said alignment member main portions and pins having longitudinally extending surfaces combining to retain said part holder positioned can body in said exact longitudinal alignment with said ram movement, said alignment member pins having end portions received in openings of said redraw die pad upon said redraw die pad being moved toward said part holder prior to said ram movement. 